Episode 1406: Natural Building and ThePoosh.org with Eric Puro

My guest for this episode is Eric Puro of ThePoosh.org. He is a natural builder from the United States currently living in Portugal developing several sustainable building projects.

In this episode we talk about the work of his organization, what it’s like to learn how to do this kind of building, as well as the decision making that’s involved with bringing a group of builders and volunteers together.

One of the things that really stood out for me with from this conversation was Eric’s “Do it!” attitude. We can do these tasks. We can get out there and make things happen. There’s no reason to be constrained by our own fears, but rather let’s go and work and get things moving. As Jack Spirko said, and why I mentioned him in the beginning, permaculture is a “do-ocracy.” We’re tasked to take action. Go out and plant. Go out and build. Make a difference in the world. Along the way there are people like Eric to show you how to keep moving forward.

If you’re interested in natural building, or have your own project you are working with, connect with thepoosh.org and find people you can help, and can help you in turn.

I’d like to hear from you if there is any way I can help you. Call me, as it’s the quickest and easiest way to get in touch: 717-827-6266. Email: show@thepermaculturepodcast.com. Join in the discussions on Facebook: facebook.com/thepermaculturepodcast. Or follow me on twitter where I am: @permaculturecst.

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2 Comments

RLM McWilliams

February 5, 2014

It’s inspiring to hear the enthusiasm and creatve approach to the building – and life! – that these folks have. And to be reminded that the natural world can supply us with EVERTHING we need to thrive, so long as we are willing and open to exploring the possibilities!

Until I can arrange to have the Poosh folks come help build our new home on ‘the back 40’, it is good to know that there are options to toxic paints and stains for those of us living in conventional houses:

-Casien paint can be made at home pretty easily – and is non-toxic. (Even the ‘zero VOC’ latex acrylic paints are toxic to make, toxic to use, and toxic to despose of.) Casien paint can be purchased in an impressive array of colors, or buy the earth pigments and tint your own. Often sold for decorative painting of furniture, it is also great for walls, woodwork, cabinets, etc. Very durable.

-Pure tung oil (not the stuff usually sold in hardware and home stores that is full of toxic petroleum distallates!) is great for finishing and protecting wood. Pigments can be added to color or darken wood as desired.

-Natural citrus solvents are much better alternatives than the petro-chemical solvents! Just make sure you are getting the real thing; so many products have a dash of citrus and are mostly petroleum products; toxic to make, toxic to use, and toxic to dispose of.

-There is even a soy-based paint remover gel! (The best use I can think of for GMO soy.)

-Natural waxes are also available for finishing and protecting both painted and unpainted woods.